4/5 stars
Second album by UK folk-tronic trio, the first signing to David Sylvian's label.
A vintage schooner on the cover, sketched by British artist Tacita Dean, says more about Sweet Billy Pilgrim that their Sylvian connection. For every subtle, shivery marriage of keyboard, laptop and acoustic tweaking (harmoniun, banjo, bass), there is an overriding gruff, fervent folk-soul, perfect for pligrims. With Tim Elsenburg's voice sharing Guy Garvey's burnt edges, a less rocky Elbow looms into view, as on Truth Only Smiles, with There Will It End a scaled-back version of Elbow's crowd-rousing sing-alongs. Elsenburg says the album's concept is the heart's journey, but it must be love over water judging by Longshore Drift's swimming ambience and ghost voices looming up from the deep. Pioneering spirit, murky drama, even the title Twice Born Men - is this the missing folk sequel to Jonny Greenwood's There Will Be Blood soundtrack?
MARTIN ASTON